Phillips said he’s watching “the way they run, the moves they make, the power they’re running with, the decisions they’re making.”

Peete has a similar checklist: “Does he get up in there? Is he timid? Does he have the ability to make someone miss? Does he lower his pads?”

And by those measuring sticks, the Cowboys like what they’ve seen from their 1-2 punch in the backfield.

“They’re running hard, they’re doing good,” Peete said Tuesday. “Obviously, you’d want to see a 10-, 12-yard average. But preseason, that doesn’t usually happen. … In the preseason, you want to get them in shape, get them ready and then when we get to the regular season we’ll take advantage of all their talents.”

Led by Barber and Jones, the Cowboys averaged 4.8 yards per carry last season, tied for second in the NFL. Dallas was seventh in yards per game at 131.4.

Barber got nearly twice as many carries as Jones last season, a ratio that’s likely to change this year. Jones has averaged more than six yards on every carry and reception in his two-year career, and the Cowboys want to see if he can keep that up with more action.

Jones has gotten ready for the added workload by bulking up. He’s added about seven pounds, most of it upper-body strength.

“It’s muscle,” Peete said. “It’s not like he’s lost a step. His speed and quickness are still there. You get worried if a guy gets bigger and slower, but he hasn’t lost a step.”

Barber got thinner, dropping about eight pounds in hopes of picking up speed. He weighs about the same as he did as a rookie. He also weighs less than Jones, which is odd since he’s the bruising power runner and Jones is the speedy slasher.

Part of the reason for the _ seemingly _ sluggish start is a lack of use.

Dallas starters played one series in the preseason opener, two series the next week and lasted nearly a half against San Diego on Saturday night. Over those three games, Barber has 25 yards on eight carries and Jones has 15 yards on six carries. The third member of their three-man crew, Tashard Choice, has 69 yards on 18 carries; his average of 3.8 yards is the best of any running back.